america's biggest publicly traded energy company, exxon mobil, saw production fall to its lowest level in three years last quarter. still, earnings per share were stronger than anticipated, helped by profits doubling in its refining business. but production fell more than expected. the company explained part of the drop was due to moving drilling rigs from going after low price natural gas to higher margin oil. shares were up a fraction, rising a half a percent. volume was stronger than usual. the stock is up 20% in the past year. the biggest retailer was the biggest drag on the dow with the market trying to gauge sandy's impact on business at walmart. the stock fell 2.1%. 294 wal-mart facilities were closed at one point during hurricane sandy, thanks to mandatory evacuations, safety concerns, and power outages. after the close, the focus was on starbucks. consumers continue buying their coffee and lattes. earnings were 46 cents per share. that's a penny more than estimates. revenues and profit margins were up by double digits each. shares were up 1.6% during the regular session. they'